Postgraduate Open Day frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a postgraduate course?

Applying to a postgraduate course can be done online from the relevant course page. Click the ‘Apply now’ tab on the top right of the course page and follow the instructions to create an online account. You can log in and out of this account as many times as you wish to complete all the required sections.

Can I apply for more than one postgraduate course?

Yes you can. Once you have completed your first application you can use the same log-in details to complete further applications. You will need to visit the course page of the additional programme(s) you wish to apply for, click the ‘Apply now’ tab on the top right and when asked to create a user name and password please scroll down to the link to sign-in to your existing account. You will be able to add and edit your saved information. All of your applications will be considered individually. You may be made offers to all of your applications but you will only be able to accept one course offer.

What supporting documents do I need to submit with my application?

The documents that we would usually expect to see with your application are as follows:

• Scanned colour copies of your Bachelor degree final award certificate and academic transcript documents (plus any higher level qualification documents)
• A copy of your CV
• Two academic references (or if you have been in employment, one can be from your current or most recent employer)
• A detailed personal statement
• Evidence of English Language proficiency (where applicable)
• A copy of your passport personal information page (when available)

What are the requirements for references?

We would usually expect to receive two academic references or if you have been in employment, one should be an academic reference and the other could be from your current or most recent employer. Two employment references is possible if more appropriate. References should be on headed paper, dated, signed by the referees and include the referees professional contact details (including the professional email address linked to the referee’s organisation).

Can I apply before I have my reference documents from my referees?

Yes you can. Please still provide the contact details of your referees in the relevant application section. There are two ways to provide references after you have submitted your online application:

1. Your referees can send their references directly to admissions@rau.ac.uk via an official professional email address.
2. You can email a reference on behalf of your referee. Please ensure the reference is a scanned copy of the original document and that it is signed by your referee. Referee contact details should include details of where the referee can be contacted in a professional capacity including an academic or official professional email address.

I'm due to complete my Bachelor degree this academic year; can I apply before I have my final results?

Yes you can. If you are still studying towards your Bachelor degree, please include the qualification information in the Education section of your application and state the result as pending and date as 2021. Should an offer be made we will automatically include within the conditions of offer for you to achieve the relevant entry requirements and to provide the degree certificate and transcript copies when available.

I don’t have my Bachelor degree certificate and/or transcript yet. Can I still apply?

Yes you can. If you have not yet received your Bachelor degree certificate and/or transcript, please include the qualification information in the Education section of your application. Should an offer be made we will automatically include within the conditions of offer for you to achieve the relevant entry requirements and to provide the degree certificate and transcript copies when available. You will need to provide the documents to meet your conditions of offer by a set deadline ahead of the course start date that will be included in your offer letter.

I have completed my degree outside of the UK. How can I find out if my qualification meets the entry requirements?

Please email a scanned colour copy of your degree award certificate and academic transcript to admissions@rau.ac.uk and we would be happy to advise on the UK equivalence for you.

What if my Bachelor degree or other supporting documents are not written in English?

You will need to provide a certified English translation copy of your original degree or other supporting documents. You must also provide the scanned colour copies of your original language documents within your application.

My Bachelor degree was not in a similar subject to the course I wish to apply for; can I still apply?

Most of our courses do not require you to have studied a similar subject at undergraduate level. For further information please contact the relevant course manager or email admissions@rau.ac.uk.

What are the English language requirements?

For applicants whose first language is not English, we will accept the International English Language Test, IELTS (Academic) with a minimum score of 6.5 overall with no element below 5.5 or equivalent. If you require a Student Visa to study in the UK and your country is not considered as a majority English speaking country by the UK Government, you will also need to meet the English Language requirements. Some exceptions do apply if an applicant has studied for a minimum of two years and successfully completed an academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors from an approved country and institution.  Please do forward by email to admissions@rau.ac.uk a scanned colour copy of your degree certificate and transcript documents and we would be happy to assess this for you.

What if I don't meet the usual course entry requirements?

Applicants with lower qualifications and/or with extensive work experience may also be considered. Please email admissions@rau.ac.uk with a copy of your full CV for further guidance on your eligibility.

When I have received an offer, how do I provide the required evidence to meet my conditions of offer?

You can submit the relevant documents to meet your offer conditions by emailing admissions@rau.ac.uk. Alternatively you can upload the scanned documents on the myRAU portal, for which further information will be given in your offer letter.

Where can I find further information?

Further details on all of our postgraduate courses can be found here. You can also read further information about how to apply to a postgraduate course.